System and method for batch sizing hair dye mixtures

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, there are provided different methods of batch sizing. One method provides for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. In another method, batch sizing adjustment criteria includes a series of questions that provide user input. These methods enable the stylist to be capable of creating a more accurate batch sizing using the batch sizing adjustment criteria. The batch sizing of the formula may be performed by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/081,147, filed Apr. 6, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,108, whichclaims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/446,123, filed Feb. 24,2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for determiningthe proper batch sizing for hair dye mixtures.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure can be used in various fields and variousapplications. In one such field, namely, cosmetics and hair dyepreparations, hair dye mixtures or compositions are typically created bya stylist based on a formula that was either created initially by a dyemanufacturer or custom created by a stylist. The stylist must estimatehow much on average of a mixture to mix and in most circumstances willover estimate in order to avoid having to take the time to make more ofthe mixture during the application process. This obviously leads towasted materials and extra expense for the salon. To help reduce thewaste it is desired to create a batch sizing system and method that willpermit a stylist to determine the most efficient batch size quickly andeasily.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system for batch sizing hair dye mixture caninclude a computer driven blending system. The computer driven blendingsystem can be a developed on a laptop, desktop, and/orhand-held/portable device. The computer driven system would may includean input device such as a touch screen, keyboard, mouse, or othercomputer input device used in conjunction with a screen. The computerdriven blending system would store in a memory at least one mixtureformulated from the mixing of one or more components, such as but notlimited to hair dye mixtures, personal care products mixtures, and thelike. The components may include, but are not limited to, colorants,dyes, and/or blending materials. Once the stylist selects the mixture,the stylist then selects the customer characteristics and/or servicerequested. Based on the selection, the computer driven systemright-sizes the formula or batch and then displays to the stylist thecorrected formula.

In another embodiment, a method of batch sizing a formula is disclosed.The formula defines one or more hair dye materials and correspondingrecommended amounts for creating an individual batch sized amount of ahair dye mixture. The method includes: providing a control system havingat least a processor and a computer-readable memory, wherein the memorycontains software configured to receive a formula defining instructionsfor blending a hair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture;presenting a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria; andreceiving a selection of the plurality of batch sizing adjustmentcriteria, the batch sizing adjustment criteria including haircharacteristics; wherein the control system calculates batch sizinginformation associated with the hair dye mixture using haircharacteristic input received by the control system for an individualbatch sized amount.

In still another embodiment, there is provided a method of right sizing.The method would provide for the stylist having a chart outlining as apercentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixturebased on customer characteristics and/or service requested. The stylistwould then be capable of creating a more accurate batch based on thechart outline.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of the system designedto right-size a formula batch based on a stylist selecting the hairlength and application;

FIG. 1 b is an outline of a method of performing an embodiment;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c are graphic representations of various batch sizingcriteria;

FIG. 3 is a matrix showing the length of hair against the amount to beapplied; and

FIG. 4 is a matrix showing the length of hair against the type of singleapplication process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will describedherein, in detail, the embodiments of the present disclosure. It shouldbe understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be consideredan exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is notintended to limit the spirit or scope of the disclosure and/orembodiments illustrated.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, there is shown a system 10 forpreparation of mixture, such as but not limited to hair dye mixtures,personal care product mixtures, and the like. The system includes acomputer control system having at least a memory, input controls 12, anda display 14.

The system can be any computer based system readily available for useand incorporation, including but not limited to touch screen tablets,laptops, mobile devices, and/or pc hard drives with separate monitorsand input devices (keyboards, mouse, etc.). The system further includesthe capacity to run various software programs, algorithms, and codedlines to accomplish the tasks that are outlined herein. These softwarerelated tasks may either be separable and linked together toexchange/communicate information and date; or be combined into a singleprogram.

The memory has the capacity to store and/or storing at least one mixtureformulated from the mixing of one or more components, such as but notlimited to colorants, dyes, and/or blending materials.

The system upon receiving an input for a creation of a mixture includessoftware for displaying the formula of the mixture on the display toindicate the component(s) and amount(s) needed to create the desiredmixture.

The system further includes software for batch sizing the mixture basedon inputs received from the stylist. The batch sizing softwareautomatically creates an adjusted formula that is displayed to thestylist for their manual re-creation of the mixture. Inputs could befrom a touch screen, mouse, keyboard, voice recognition software, etc.The batch sizing software is capable of adjusting the formula to createan adjusted formula and then is further capable of displaying theadjusted formula for the stylist's use.

Referring now to FIG. 2 b, to automatically determine the correct batchor formula size, the system will request an input(s) from the stylist.The stylist will first select a formula of a mixture, 102. The stylistwill then request to have the formula right-sized 104. Electronically,this could be done by the using selecting either in a touch screen,mouse click, or highlighted entry. The system will then produce amatrix, or other configuration, on the screen, which requires thestylist to select one of the boxes. 106. Once one of the boxes isselected, the batch sizing software is capable of batch-sizing theformula 108 to match the selected entry. The adjusted or batch-sizedformula is then displayed for the stylist 110. If batch sizing is notrequested, the formula can simply be displayed, 112. After which thebatch sizing software will end, 114.

In other aspects, the right sizing system software once selected iscapable of displaying a series of questions prior to the display of thematrix or other configuration. The questions may further includegraphical images that help the stylist to formulate a response.Referring now to FIGS. 2 a-2 c, there is shown a series of questions andgraphical images that may be included with the questions. Based on theanswer to these questions, the batch sizing software is capable ofautomatically calculating an adjusted formula or if the formula is notpresent is capable of displaying the proper amount of materials to use,which typically would not include the developer material. It beingtypical in the industry to use a 1:1, 1:1.5, or 1:2 ratio of materialsto developer. Often the manufacturer sets this ratio for its ownproducts. For example purposes, FIG. 2 a includes a question on thedetermination of the type of hair application, such as a RetouchApplication (FIG. 2 aa); a Scalp to Ends Application (FIG. 2 ab), or aRetouch and Refresh Application (FIG. 2 ac). A second question maydetermine the length of the hair, FIG. 2 b. With pictorialrepresentations of Short Hair (FIG. 2 ba); Medium Hair (FIG. 2 bb); andLong Hair (FIG. 2 bc). Lastly, the system may need to determine thetexture of the hair, such as Fine Hair (FIG. 2 ca); Medium or NormalHair (FIG. 2 cb); and Coarse Hair (FIG. 2 cc). As noted the individualquestions could be presented electronically one at a time to provide thebatch sizing software with answers that once receive is capable ofautomatically creating an adjusted formula for further display to thestylist. The answer to the questions could be through a touch screenwith the user selecting the appropriate graphic representation.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown in another embodiment a matrixthat can be used by a stylist to determine the amount of colorant to useon a customer. The matrix while shown as a 3×3 matrix could be larger orsmaller depending on specific use, customization, or productmanufacturer aspects. Following similar process above, the system willrequest input(s) from the stylist. First, the stylist will select aformula of a mixture. Second, the stylist will request to have theformula right-sized. Third, the system will produce a matrix on thescreen, requiring the stylist to select one of the boxes from thematrix. In this exemplary illustration, across the top of the matrixthere is a first legend listing hair lengths 300, short length hair 302,medium length hair 304, and long hair 306; while across the side thereis a second legend listing the hair care application 350, retouch 352,Scalp to ends 354, and retouch and refresh 356. In a color retouch for asingle process color, the application of a batch is applied to the newgrowth of hair not exceeding ½ inch growth. The color retouch isnecessary for covering gray, or in maintaining all over color, such asthe maintenance of color services. In a retouch and refresh, theapplication of batch is applied to the new growth, mid-growth and endsof hair. Often a separate formulation is prepared for mid shaft andends. All hair from new growth through the ends is covered with color.This service is needed when the overall color has lost its tone, fadedmore than one level, corrected work is needed or the client hasrequested a change of color. Color tends to fade due to sun exposure,swimming or the use of harsh shampoos. It also shown or illustrated thatthe total amounts in listed by the matrix if for the total amount ofcolorant or dye and does not include developer. Also, the stylist shouldkeep in mind other key factors such as multi-shades, alternating morethan one color and ration of the developer.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, there is shown the following: box 362 aretouch for short length hair, box 364 a retouch for medium length hair,and box 366 a retouch for long length hair; box 372 a scalp to end forshort length hair, box 374 a scalp to end for medium length hair, andbox 376 a scalp to end for long length hair; and box 382 for a retouchand refresh for short length hair; box 384 for a retouch and refresh formedium length hair; and box 386 for a retouch and refresh for longlength hair.

In addition, a subsequent or preceding question regarding the texture ofthe hair could alter the amounts accordingly. For example, theinformation calculated or displayed could be for normal texture hair.The batch sizing software, if prepared to take the texture of the hairinto account in its adjustment, would be capable of adjusting theformula by decreasing the amount of the formula for fine or thintextured hair and/or increasing the amount of the formula for coarse ordense hair. The increase or decrease may be based on the hair or maysimply be adjusted by adding or subtracting ¼ or ½ oz of product to thetotal amount. This would be automatically done by the batch sizingsoftware that is capable of a textured adjustment.

In another embodiment, a further matrix or other configuration may beused or provided to determine the batch sizing adjustment based on theamount of an off scalp process, illustrated in FIG. 4. Across the top ofthe matrix there is first legend listing hair lengths 400, short lengthhair 402, medium length hair 404, and long hair 406; while across theside there is a second legend listing amount to apply 450, such as Zone452 (20% or less of the head); Partial 454 (no more than 40%); and Full456 (50% and greater). Once one of the grid squares is selected thesoftware is capable of right-sizing the formula based on the amount toapply. The right-sized or adjusted formula will then be displayed forthe stylist in order for the manual re-creation of the right-sizedformula.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, there is shown the following: box 462 a zoneoff scalp application for short length hair, box 464 a zone off scalpapplication for medium length hair, and box 466 a zone off scalpapplication for long length hair; box 472 a partial off scalpapplication for short length hair, box 474 a partial off scalpapplication for medium length hair, and box 476 a partial off scalpapplication for long length hair; and box 482 a full off scalpapplication for short length hair; box 484 a full off scalp applicationfor medium length hair; and box 486 a full off scalp application forlong length hair.

In addition, the data input for the boxes or matrix can be based onother customer characteristics or services requested. As such theindividual items in the rows and columns exhibited herein, may bechanged without deviating from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.In addition, a larger matrix can be placed that further defines otherpercentages of application and further defines the types of hair such asfine, medium, coarse, and combinations thereof. Each of these types canbe further refined, for example, Coarse hair may include Rough, Wire,Heavy, Wild, Strong.

The system may include further questions for the stylist, includingwhether the regrowth on long hair exceeds ½ inch, in which case theright-sizing will add 7.5 grams or ¼ ounce of color to the formula.

In a method of right-sizing a batch, the stylist will start with aformula outlining the various colorants and/or blending materials alongwith the amounts to be added. With being provided a particular matrixthat outlines the hair length or hair style against the servicerequested (refresh, scalp to end, retouch, particular zone, partial,full) the stylist will select the correct matrix grid squarecorresponding to the customer characteristic and the service required.Based on the selected matrix grid square and the amount dictatedtherein, the stylist can calculate the correct batch size. This can bedone without the aid of a computer-driven system.

According to one of the aspects of the present disclosure, the matrixbeing a 3×3 grid for the application off scalp starts with a single zonefor short length hair with the required amount of 15 grams of color usedto blend.

The present disclosure includes one or more various embodiments forbatch sizing a formula. In one embodiment of the present disclosurethere is provided a method of batch sizing a formula of one or more hairdye materials, with corresponding recommended amounts. The formula isdefined for a stylist to manually recreate a hair dye mixture. Thisfirst embodiment is performed by an electronic device that has adisplay, memory, and an input device. The first embodiment includes,providing an electronic device that has a computer based medium with acomputer readable program code executed to perform various functions.These functions include (a) the displaying of a plurality of batchsizing adjustment criteria, wherein each of the batch sizing adjustmentcriteria defines a total amount for a formula; (b) the receiving of auser input selecting one of the plurality of batch sizing adjustmentcriteria; (c) the creation of an adjusted formula with adjustedcorresponding recommended amounts based on the selected batch sizingadjustment criteria; and (d) the displaying of at least the adjustedcorresponding recommended amounts.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided amethod of batch sizing a formula, of one or more hair dye materials,with corresponding recommended amounts. The formula is defined for astylist to manually recreate a hair dye mixture. This second embodimentis performed by providing an electronic device, which has a computerbased medium with a computer readable program code being executed todisplay a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria auto-arrange ina matrix of adjustment boxes. Each of the batch sizing adjustmentcriteria defines a total amount for a formula. The second method isformed by selecting one of the plurality of batch sizing adjustmentcriteria; and adjusting the formula by adjusting correspondingrecommended amounts based on the selected batch sizing adjustmentcriteria.

In still another embodiment of the present disclosure there is provideda method of batch sizing a formula, of one or more hair dye materials,with corresponding recommended amounts. The formula is defined for astylist to manually recreate a hair dye mixture. This third embodimentis performed by providing a plurality of batch sizing adjustmentcriteria wherein each of the batch sizing adjustment criteria defines atotal amount for a formula. The method continues by the selection of oneof the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria and then adjustingthe formula by adjusting corresponding recommended amounts based on theselected batch sizing adjustment criteria.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided anapparatus for batch sizing a formula. The apparatus includes a controlsystem having at least a memory, an input control, and a display. Theapparatus further includes batch sizing software, being configured tofirst display a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, whereineach of the batch sizing adjustment criteria defines a total amount fora formula; being configured to receive an input from the input control aselection of one of the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria;being configured to create an adjusted formula with adjustedcorresponding recommended amounts based on the selected batch sizingadjustment criteria; and being configured to display the adjustedformula and to display the adjusted corresponding recommended amounts.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided anapparatus for batch sizing a formula. The apparatus includes a controlsystem having at least a memory, an input control, and a display. Theapparatus further includes batch sizing software, being configured todisplay a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, wherein each ofthe batch sizing adjustment criteria defines a total amount for aformula. The batch sizing software being further configured to receivean input from the input control a selection of one of the plurality ofbatch sizing adjustment criteria and configured to create an adjustedformula with adjusted corresponding recommended amounts based on theselected batch sizing adjustment criteria. The batch sizing software isyet further configured to display the adjusted formula and to displaythe adjusted corresponding recommended amounts.

In one or more of the above embodiments, the control system orelectronic device may be defined to reside in one of the following: ahand-held PDA, mobile-phone, laptop computer, and pc computer. The aboveembodiment may further define the batch sizing adjustment criteria as aseries of questions or as a plurality of adjustment boxes arranged in amatrix on the display.

From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed thatnumerous variations and modifications may be effected without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect tothe specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appendedclaims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of batch sizing a formula, the formuladefining one or more hair dye materials and corresponding recommendedamounts for creating an individual batch sized amount of a hair dyemixture, the method comprising: providing a control system having atleast a processor and a computer-readable memory, wherein the memorycontains software configured to receive a formula defining instructionsfor blending a hair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture;presenting a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria; andreceiving a selection of the plurality of batch sizing adjustmentcriteria, the batch sizing adjustment criteria including haircharacteristics; wherein the control system calculates batch sizinginformation associated with the hair dye mixture using haircharacteristic input received by the control system for an individualbatch sized amount.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the batch sizingadjustment criteria includes a plurality of adjustment boxes on thedisplay.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the adjustment boxes arearranged in an X by Y matrix on the display.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the control system is incorporated into one of the following: ahand-held PDA, mobile-phone, laptop computer, and pc computer.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria has atleast one question regarding a use of the formula for a customer.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria has atleast one question regarding a type of hair for a customer.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria has atleast one question regarding a length of hair for a customer.
 8. Amethod of batch sizing a formula, the formula defining one or more hairdye materials and corresponding recommended amounts for creating anindividual batch sized amount of a hair dye mixture, the methodcomprising; providing a control system having at least a processor and acomputer-readable memory, wherein the memory contains softwareconfigured to receive a formula defining instructions for blending ahair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture, andconfigured to present a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteriaauto-arrange in a matrix of adjustment boxes, wherein each of the batchsizing adjustment criteria defines an amount for the formula; andreceiving an input selecting one of the plurality of batch sizingadjustment criteria, the batch sizing adjustment criteria including haircharacteristics; wherein the control system calculates batch sizinginformation associated with the hair dye mixture using haircharacteristic input received by the control system for an individualbatch sized amount.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the control systemis incorporated into one of the following: a hand-held PDA,mobile-phone, laptop computer, and pc computer.
 10. An apparatus forbatch sizing a formula, the formula defining one or more hair dyematerials and corresponding recommended amounts for creating anindividual batch sized amount of a hair dye mixture, the apparatuscomprising: a control system having at least a processor and acomputer-readable memory, wherein the memory contains softwareconfigured to receive a formula defining instructions for blending ahair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture, the softwarefurther including: a first component configured to present a pluralityof batch sizing adjustment criteria, wherein each of the batch sizingadjustment criteria defines an amount for the formula; and a secondcomponent configured to receive an input selection of one of theplurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, the batch sizingadjustment criteria including hair characteristics; wherein the controlsystem calculates batch sizing information associated with the hair dyemixture using hair characteristic input received by the control systemfor an individual batch sized amount.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria includes a plurality ofadjustment boxes arranged in a matrix on the display.
 12. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the control system is defined to reside in one ofthe following: a hand-held PDA, mobile-phone, laptop computer, and pccomputer.
 13. An apparatus for batch sizing a formula, the formuladefining one or more hair dye materials and corresponding recommendedamounts for creating an individual batch sized amount of a hair dyemixture, the apparatus comprising: a control system having at least aprocessor and a computer-readable memory, wherein the memory containssoftware configured to receive a formula defining instructions forblending a hair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dyeblending materials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture, andconfigured to present a plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria,wherein each of the batch sizing adjustment criteria defines an amountfor the formula; a user input device configured to receive an input ofone or more of the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, thebatch sizing adjustment criteria including hair characteristics; whereinthe control system calculates batch sizing information associated withthe hair dye mixture using hair characteristic input received by thecontrol system for an individual batch sized amount.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria includes aseries of questions.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the batchsizing adjustment criteria includes a plurality of adjustment boxesarranged in a matrix on the display.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria is at least one questionregarding a use of the formula for a customer.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria is at least onequestion regarding a type of hair for a customer.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria is at least onequestion regarding a length of hair for a customer.
 19. A method ofbatch sizing a formula, the formula defining one or more hair dyematerials and corresponding recommended amounts for creating anindividual batch sized amount of a hair dye mixture, the methodcomprising: providing a control system having at least a processor and acomputer-readable memory, wherein the memory contains softwareconfigured to receive a formula defining instructions for blending ahair dye mixture using one or more colorants and/or dye blendingmaterials and amounts recommended for the hair dye mixture; providing aplurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria; and receiving inputselecting one of the plurality of batch sizing adjustment criteria, thebatch sizing adjustment criteria including hair characteristics; whereinthe control system calculates batch sizing information associated withthe hair dye mixture using hair characteristic input received by thecontrol system for an individual batch sized amount.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the batch sizing adjustment criteria includes aplurality of adjustment boxes arranged in a pattern on the display.